Budget

Finance Ministry austerity plan revealed: Rent tax and tax credits for parents

Despite the lack of a government, senior Finance Ministry officials are already preparing the 2027-2028 budget, seeking austerity measures to cover massive defense spending.

Money bills.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attends a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem, July 1, 2026.

Finance Ministry prepares plan to prevent increase in deficit, fund defense, for next government

Benjamin Netanyahu and Prof. Amir Yaron.

The Governor warns: 'Unrestrained defense budget will lead to an increase in deficit and inflation'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with opposition head Yair Lapid, June 17, 2025

Lapid calls on Netanyahu to convene defense budget committee, release NIS 11b. to IDF


US President Trump signs budget with $4 billion for Israel, ban on UNRWA funding

The measure includes provisions restricting US funding to several international institutions. It bars financial support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees,

US President Donald Trump looks on as he signs executive orders and proclamations in the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington, DC, US, May 5, 2025

Israel's budget deadline: What happens if Knesset cannot agree in time? - explainer

By law, failure to pass the budget by March 31 leads to an automatic collapse of the government and snap elections within about 90 days.

 The Knesset building, home of Israel's legislature, in Jerusalem, on November 14, 2022 (Illustrative).

Knesset advances 2026 state budget in first reading amid coalition crisis over haredi draft

The Degel Hatorah faction within United Torah Judaism received a green light from spiritual leader Rabbi Dov Lando to vote in favor of the state budget, Lando's office said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen after the vote on the state budget at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, January 28, 2026.

Netanyahu convenes emergency meeting as haredi parties threaten to block state budget vote

Both haredi parties have threatened to withhold support for the state budget unless agreements are reached on the draft law to avoid conscription.

 Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as lawmakers gather at the Knesset plenum to vote on a bill that would limit some Supreme Court power, in Jerusalem July 24, 2023.

Knesset to vote on first reading of 2026 state budget, amid haredi parties' threats

If the state budget is not approved in all three readings by the end of March, when the fiscal year closes, the Knesset will automatically dissolve, and elections will be called.

 The Knesset building, home of Israel's legislature, in Jerusalem, on November 14, 2022 (Illustrative).

Government submits 2026 budget to Knesset, Smotrich vows passage despite rifts

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that the government was "determined to pass it [the state budget] on first reading,” during a press conference at the Knesset on Monday.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich after a press conference at the ministry, December 4, 2025; illustrative.

Gov’t faces one-week deadline to pass first reading of state budget amid haredi draft bill threats

A first reading of the budget must be approved for the state to approve it in March. 

THE KNESSET during a meeting on December 24, 2025.

Shas threatens to vote down 2026 state budget if haredi draft law not passed

Without the support of Shas lawmakers, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government could lack the votes needed to pass the budget.

 Shas faction meeting in the Israeli parliament on December 8, 2025.

Defense Ministry director-general says Israel returned too quickly to pre-Oct. 7 budget approach

He accused the Finance Ministry of consistently underfunding the defense establishment, leading to debt within defense industries.

 Incoming IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Amir Baram gives remarks at his inauguration ceremony, October 31, 2022.

Shas threatens to oppose 2026 state budget over haredi food-voucher exclusion

If the budget is not approved by the end of March, the close of the fiscal year, the Knesset will automatically dissolve, and new elections will be called.

Shas leader MK Aryeh Deri seen during a Shas party meeting, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on January 23, 2023.